Qinwen Zheng Reveals How She Wants to Follow in Footsteps of Serena Williams After China Open Win: “It’s Not Easy to Be National Icon”

Qinwen Zheng finally ended her title drought after months of struggles following an injury hiatus. In front of the packed Diamond Court crowd in the China Open final, the home favorite defeated Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4.

It was her first title since her 2024 Pan Pacific Open victory. It was also her second Big Title of her career, following her triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics, after which Zheng struggled with an elbow problem and eventually underwent surgery last July.

After her win, Zheng, also the first Chinese to win this title, admitted that being a national icon is not easy, as it comes with great pressure and expectations. She wants to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Serena Williams and make an impact through her conduct, inspiring younger generations.

It’s not easy to be a national icon. Since two three years ago, I felt high responsibility on my shoulders because I want to behave well in front of [my] people. I want those young kids when they look at me, I am a good inspiration for them.

Qiwnen Zheng told WTATour.com

After her Beijing triumph, Zheng withdrew from the Wuhan Open, where she reached her first WTA 1000 final on her 2024 debut, losing to Aryna Sabalenka.

I want to be a good example for them because I know how much the example can make a huge impact for the kid. I remember when I was a kid, I used to watch Serena, this iconic player, how much impact they can [have on] me. I wish I could make always positive stuff with them.

Qinwen Zheng added

In this tournament, Zheng reached her career-best WTA 1000 semifinal in 2024. She will next play at the Japan Open, which runs October 19-25 in Osaka. Zheng will also be competing at the Hong Kong Open, which kicks off on November 2.

Qinwen Zheng reflects on her ranking surge

At the start of this season, Qinwen Zheng was ranked outside of the top 150. But her performance, particularly at the US Open and her victory at the China Open, has helped her reach 23rd.

But Zheng, obviously, is not satisfied. Her recent performances have renewed her motivation, and she wants to keep that hunger and play better tennis.

Since I come back from injury, I’ve always [been] really motivated, but in the beginning, sometimes at the important moment, I couldn’t handle the pressure. [For a] long time, I wasn’t handling pressure, and I’m wasn’t used to it since I came back. Finally, my ranking gets where I used to be. Still not there yet, but I’m on my way.

Qinwen Zheng told WTATour.com

After recovering from her elbow injury, the 24-year-old returned to action at this year’s Qatar Open and reached the round of 16. She continued to suffer early-round exits in the next few tournaments until the US Open, where she lost to eventual champion Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals.

But en route to her exit, the 2024 Australian Open runner-up overcame a 0-5 deficit in the third set against Madison Keys in the third round and repeated the same in the first set against six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in the fourth round.

In the ongoing Wuhan Open, defending champion Coco Gauff is not playing due to fatigue. Her decision came after the racist abuse she was targeted with following the hindrance controversy during her third-round match against Sun Xinran at the China Open.

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